As the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, GRA, continues to defend government’s expected introduction of the UNI-PASS single window system, IMANI Ghana is calling on the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, to make his position known on the matter.
Ahead of the piloting of the new system at the Takoradi Port by the middle of February, the Customs Division has debunked claims that government will incur a judgement debt if it decides to abrogate the 10-year $ 40 million dollar UNIPASS contract.
President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, says apart from the negative impact the new system will have on trade facilitation ahead of the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, the silence of the Trade Ministry is a cause for concern.
“As a country that has worked very hard to have the AfCFTA Secretariat here, the last thing we want to do is to be erecting a system that defies the very fundamental objectives of the AfCFTA. I think it is just not right. I also know deep in the heart of Alan Kyerematen that this is not something he should be opting for, because I have not heard him and his two deputies speak on this UNI-PASS matter. It is important we hear from them.”
Implementation of UNI-PASS will affect ease of doing business ranking –IMANI
Franklin Cudjoe has cautioned that Ghana’s standing on the World Bank ease of doing business ranking would dip further if government goes ahead with the introduction of the controversial UNI-PASS single window system.
The latest World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking shows that Ghana has dropped from 114 in 2019 to 118 in 2020.
Speaking on the ongoing debate about the introduction of the UNI-PASS system, Mr. Franklin Cudjoe said, aside from the new system costing government more, it has no proven track record, and will also not facilitate trade significantly.
“Since 2017, we’ve been plummeting on the rankings, and I think some of these factors are likely to deepen our woes on the rankings. I think there have been some monumental progress made, we do not need to roll back that progress. This system in all its entirety stands the chance of negating those gains.”
IMANI wants government to answer pertinent questions surrounding the impending introduction of the controversial UNI-PASS single window system, warning that it has the potential to erode the gains Ghana has made in the area of trade facilitation.
Currently, the single window system is being managed by the Ghana Community Network Services Limited, GCNet as well as Customs World or West Blue Consulting, an arrangement IMANI believes must be maintained.
The Single Window project, which was introduced by government to facilitate trade activities at the Tema port allows exporters and importers to process their transactions electronically.
The project was undertaken to strengthen the customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and eventually enhance revenue mobilization at the ports.
The project is aimed at coordinating all activities at the ports on one platform to reduce time and cost in clearing and exporting goods.